China wooden fence pickets: initiation extended; ITC revised

Commerce extended its deadline for determining whether to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on certain wooden fence pickets from China, and the ITC revised its preliminary-phase schedule to match. Commerce notice: 91 FR 66106 (FR Doc. 2026-21285; A-570-243, C-570-244; published October 19, 2026; applicable October 13, 2026). ITC revised schedule: 91 FR 66581-66582 (FR Doc. 2026-21504; Inv. Nos. 701-TA-807 and 731-TA-1808 (Preliminary); published October 21, 2026; dated October 19, 2026). This updates the original institution schedule covered in wooden fence pickets China AD/CVD institution.

Commerce initiation determinations now due no later than November 3, 2026. ITC post-conference written briefs due 5:15 p.m. on October 23, 2026. No AD/CVD deposits yet.

Commerce: industry-support polling extension

Petitions were received by Commerce on September 24, 2026 on behalf of the American Alliance of Wooden Fence Producers (members Alta Forest Products, Sierra Pacific Industries, and Mendocino Forest Products). Because it is not clear from the petitions whether the industry support thresholds are met (at least 25 percent of total domestic production, and more than 50 percent of production by those expressing support or opposition), Commerce extended the 20-day initiation deadline by 20 days under sections 702(c)(1)(B) and 732(c)(1)(B) of the Act to poll or otherwise determine industry support. Initiation determinations are now due no later than November 3, 2026. Contacts: Frank Schmitt (202) 482-4880 (AD); Suresh Maniam (202) 482-0176 (CVD).

ITC: revised brief deadline and prelim clock

The original institution notice (91 FR 61438; FR Doc. 2026-19875; September 29, 2026) set post-conference written briefs for October 20, 2026 and, assuming timely Commerce initiation, a preliminary determination by November 9, 2026 with views to Commerce by November 17, 2026. The staff conference was October 16, 2026. The revised notice moves the brief deadline to 5:15 p.m. on October 23, 2026. The ITC must reach preliminary determinations within 25 days after it receives notice from Commerce of initiation, and its views go to Commerce within five business days thereafter. That replaces the original November 9 / November 17 dates; do not treat those calendar dates as still controlling, because the date the ITC receives Commerce's notice is not yet known. Contact: Peter Stebbins (202) 205-2039.

Action items

• Watch Commerce's initiation decision due no later than November 3, 2026.
• File post-conference briefs by 5:15 p.m. on October 23, 2026 if you are participating in the ITC prelim.
• If initiated, expect the ITC preliminary vote on a 25-day clock after the Commission receives Commerce's initiation notice (not on the old November 9 calendar date).
• No deposits yet: AD/CVD cash deposits apply only if and when Commerce later issues affirmative preliminary determinations.

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.